As the military confrontation between Iran on one side and the United States and Israel on the other entered its fifth day, Iran continued launching missile and drone attacks targeting several Gulf states. Officials across the region repeatedly affirmed that Gulf air-defense systems were able to intercept most of the incoming threats.
While several Gulf countries announced the interception of dozens of missiles and drones, limited damage was reported in isolated incidents. Governments stressed that their armed forces remain fully prepared to protect national airspace and critical infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia
Major General Turki Al-Maliki, official spokesman for the Saudi Ministry of Defense, announced on Wednesday that air-defense forces intercepted and destroyed nine drones immediately after they entered Saudi airspace.
Al-Maliki later confirmed that two cruise missiles were intercepted and destroyed in Al-Kharj Governorate, about 80 kilometers southeast of the capital, Riyadh. He also reported the interception and destruction of an additional drone in the Eastern Province.
In a related development, an official source at the Ministry of Energy said that the Ras Tanura oil refinery was targeted early Wednesday by an attempted drone attack. The source confirmed that no damage occurred and that oil supplies were not affected.
Qatar
In Qatar, the Ministry of Defense announced that the country had been targeted on Wednesday by a number of drones and two cruise missiles launched from Iran.
According to the ministry, the attack involved 10 drones and the two cruise missiles. The Qatari Emiri Air Defense Forces intercepted six of the drones.
The Qatari Emiri Air Force successfully intercepted two additional drones as well as both cruise missiles, while the Qatari Emiri Naval Forces dealt with the remaining two drones.
The ministry stressed that the Qatari Armed Forces possess the full capabilities and resources necessary to protect the country’s sovereignty and territory and to respond decisively to any external threat.
Kuwait
The Kuwaiti Armed Forces announced that they had dealt with a wave of missiles and drones detected in the country’s airspace.
In a statement, the Kuwaiti Army’s General Staff said the armed forces were carrying out their duties in intercepting and neutralizing the targets, emphasizing their full readiness to confront all threats and ensure the protection of the nation’s territory, airspace, and the safety of citizens and residents.
Separately, Kuwait’s Ministry of Health announced the death of a resident child after being injured by falling debris in a residential area of Capital Governorate.
The ministry’s official spokesman, Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad, said that Al-Amiri Hospital received the 11-year-old girl through emergency medical services after she was struck by shrapnel that fell in a residential neighborhood. However, she passed away due to her injuries.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE Ministry of Defense reported that air defense systems successfully intercepted three ballistic missiles, while 129 drones were detected. Of those, 121 were intercepted, while eight fell inside the country’s territory.
The ministry said that since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, 189 ballistic missiles had been detected heading toward the UAE. 175 were destroyed, 13 fell into the sea, and one landed inside Emirati territory.
Authorities also reported detecting 941 Iranian drones, with 876 intercepted and 65 falling inside the country, in addition to the detection and destruction of eight cruise missiles.
The ministry said the attacks caused some collateral damage, as well as three fatalities and 78 injuries, most of them described as minor.
Bahrain
The General Command of the Bahrain Defense Force announced that 74 missiles and 95 hostile drones had been destroyed since the beginning of Iranian attacks on the country.
In a statement, the command said all air-defense systems remain on maximum alert to respond immediately and decisively to missile and drone strikes, which it described as “ongoing and unjustified Iranian aggression.”
It added that specialized field teams are rapidly securing attack sites to ensure public safety and that air-defense systems remain at the highest level of readiness.
The command stressed that targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure with missiles and drones constitutes a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law and the United Nations Charter, affirming Bahrain’s legitimate right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty and security.
Maritime Incident Near Hormuz
Separately, the Royal Navy of Oman responded to a report that a Malta-flagged cargo ship had been struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz.
Authorities said the vessel’s 24 crew members were rescued and provided with the necessary medical care, confirming that all were in good health.
